Hammer of Daikokuten
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Object number05876
TitleHammer of Daikokuten
DescriptionThis curious object is the Hammer of Daikokuten, who was one of the Seven Gods of Luck (known as the Shichi-Fukujin) in Japanese mythology. Despite its solid appearance – and being made of bronze, it is heavy too – this magical hammer is a force for good, with a single hit said to bring wealth and good fortune.
Images of Daikokuten (also known as Daikoku) can be found in Tibet and China, but it is in Japan that he is a familiar and well-loved deity. There, he is the god of wealth, farming and of the household, although in earlier centuries he was also considered to be a fierce, immortal warrior. He is usually depicted wearing traditional Japanese dress and a flat peasant-style hat, with a wide, smiling face.
Daikoku is most often seen with a bag of precious things (wealth, wisdom and patience) slung over his shoulder, holding his legendary hammer in his right hand. He traditionally sits on two bales of rice, which are being nibbled by rats – always present when the grain is plentiful. There is a cheeky rat perched on a piece of fruit on our hammer too. Representing wealth and success, the rat is the first symbol in the Japanese zodiac.
Production placeJapan,
Object nameFigure,, God Figure, Daikoku
MaterialBronze
TechniqueCast
Dimensions
whole Length: 210 mm
whole Width: 120 mm
whole Height: 175 mm
whole Width: 120 mm
whole Height: 175 mm